Los Angeles will not disappoint you with their variety of creative things to do in and around the city. From the variety of art museums, to museums honoring different cultures and the entertainment industry, you’ll find just the place to visit to spark your creativity and imagination. Enjoy the palm trees, and almost perfect year-round weather. Don’t forget to take a trip to one of the many beaches for some people watching, too!
A visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art needs to be on your list of things to do while in Los Angeles. The museum was founded in 1979 and has a collection of over 7,000 objects.
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the largest art museum on the west coast. They boast a collection of over 142,000 objects showcasing global art from over 6,000 years.
The Norton Simon Museum is located in Pasadena California focuses on fine arts with its library and collection of European art from the Renaissance, South and Southeast Asian art with over 12,000 objects.
The Broad is named for philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. Located in downtown Los Angeles, the museum offers free general admission to its permanent collection galleries. Its collection includes over 2,000 objects, primarily in the modern, contemporary and sculptural styles.
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The J. Paul Getty Museum focuses on visual arts, inspiring understanding through visual art and cultural heritage. With two locations, the Getty Villa and the Getty Center, they have over 44,000 objects in the collection of art from Greek, Roman, Etruscan cultures, with usually about 1,200 pieces on view at a given time.
Interested in archeology? You’ll want to plan a visit to the La Brea Tar Pits and learn more about what roamed the earth long, long ago. As a part of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, they protect and share over 35 million specimens and artifacts. More than 100 excavations have been made at the tar pits. You can watch paleontologists dig fossils.
The Hammer Museum is known for its contemporary art. It is affiliated with UCLA and ‘believes in the promise of art and ideas to illuminate our lives and build a more just world.’ They champion the art and the artists, hoping to ignite our imaginations and inspire change.
The Craft Contemporary focuses on contemporary art made from craft media and processes, strategically promoting artists who are often underrepresented. Educational programs are offered along with the exhibits to provide visitors an opportunity for hands-on experiences.
The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) collects and preserves fashion objects, with a focus on the design elements. From hats and purses, to dresses and coats, jewelry and costumes, textiles and fragrances. It was established in 1978 with a donation of haute couture ensembles from Betsy Bloomingdale. The museum now has over 15,000 objects from over 200 years.
Visit the California African American Museum to experience the heritage and history of African Americans in California and the west coast. The museum collection includes over 4,000 objects — from landscape and portraiture paintings, to modern and contemporary art, mixed media and historical items.
La Plaza de Cultura y Artes shares the stories of Mexicans, Mexican-Americans and Latinos through performances, exhibits and discussions.
You’ll find programs in music, dance, films, art, history, culinary arts and more to celebrate the rich culture of all Latinos.
The Japanese American National Museum is located in the Little Toyko neighborhood near downtown. It is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Japanese Americans. They “believe in the importance of remembering our history to better guard against the prejudice that threatens liberty and equality in a democratic society.
The Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust was started by a group of survivors that were taking English as a Second Language class, and discovered that each of them had memorabilia from the Holocaust era. They founded the museum as a place to memorialize the people who lost their lives, and help educate the world so that no one would forget.
The Museum of Tolerance is also located in Los Angeles. Founded to examine racism, discrimination and prejudice around the world, the museum challenges visitors to understand the Holocaust.
Are you a music buff? A must-see is the Grammy Museum. You’ll be able to explore all forms of music through interactive exhibits and programs. They believe that music is a gateway to learning.
The Hollywood Museum is the official museum for Hollywood memorabilia. Located in the historic Max Factor building, it has more than 10,000 objects – from costumes to props, photographs, scripts, posters and more.
Have a little fun at the Museum of Illusions. Bring your phone and be ready for a lot of selfies! Boasting over 30 3D illusions, including an upside down house, an African safari and even walking on the edge of a skyscraper — you’ll have plenty to share on social media.
The Museum of Neon Art is located in Glendale and claims to be the only museum in the world devoted to art in electric media. They encourage curiosity and learning of neon, electric and kinetic art through their collection of historic neon signs.
Make sure to stop by the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre and compare your hands and feet to the Hollywood stars that are recognized on the.sidewalk.
Stroll through Chinatown district of Los Angeles to experience the sights, sounds and colors and learn more about the Chinese culture in Los Angeles.
While you are in Los Angeles, browse through some shops to bring home some special items for your creative stash. Plan your own shop hop with these fabric shops in and around Los Angeles.
Visit bead shops in and around Los Angeles — there is always room for a few beads in your bag!
Pick up some yarn for your next knitting or crochet project at these yarns shops in and around Los Angeles.